The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Minister of Defence, General Chritopher Musa (rtd), for his unequivocal directive authorising troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations to shoot terrorists on sight.
We consider this directive a timely demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to confront the growing menace of terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism that have continued to claim the lives of innocent Nigerians and threaten the unity and stability of our nation.
However, while we commend the Minister for this bold pronouncement, we are compelled to caution that the directive may not achieve its intended objective unless it is immediately and formally transmitted through the established military command structure to the officers and soldiers prosecuting the war against terrorism in the various theatres of operation.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko and made available to VDCInsights HURIWA noted “Military institutions are governed by strict discipline and hierarchy. Every trained soldier understands and operates by the doctrine of “Obey the Last Command.” Frontline troops do not act on newspaper publications, television interviews or media reports. They execute lawful operational directives issued through their commanders. This is the universal tradition of professional armed forces.”
It is therefore our considered opinion that the Defence Minister should immediately direct the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and other operational commanders to formally communicate this directive to all troops deployed in the counter-terrorism theatres.
Onwubiko argued “The reality is that many of the gallant soldiers risking their lives daily in the forests and battlefields of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other operational areas neither have access to newspapers nor enjoy the privilege of watching television or following electronic media reports. They remain focused on defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria under extremely difficult conditions. It would therefore be erroneous to assume that the Minister’s public declaration has automatically reached those expected to implement it.”
HURIWA strongly recommend that this directive be incorporated into operational briefings and field instructions so that every soldier clearly understands the Rules of Engagement regarding terrorists. Such clarity is necessary to eliminate uncertainty and strengthen operational confidence among troops confronting enemies of the Nigerian state.
Our concern is informed by experience.
Nigerians will recall that shortly after assuming office, the Honourable Minister directed that military personnel should be withdrawn from roadblocks across the country. Unfortunately, that directive has not been fully implemented to this day. In several parts of the country, particularly in the South-East, military checkpoints remain in operation despite that public announcement.
This clearly demonstrates that policy pronouncements alone do not automatically translate into operational compliance unless they are deliberately conveyed through the military hierarchy and implementation is monitored by commanders at every level.
HURIWA therefore respectfully urges the Defence Minister not to allow this latest directive to suffer a similar fate. The success of the order depends not merely on the strength of the Minister’s words but on the effectiveness of the command structure responsible for transmitting and enforcing those words.
We equally call on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to ensure that this directive becomes an immediate operational instruction for all formations involved in counter-terrorism operations. The nation’s security demands nothing less.
Nigeria is at a critical stage in its fight against terrorism. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve clear operational guidance, modern equipment, quality intelligence, improved welfare and unwavering support from the political leadership. Every lawful measure capable of strengthening their effectiveness should be pursued with urgency and sincerity.
HURIWA remains firmly committed to supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at defeating terrorism, protecting innocent lives and preserving the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We therefore urge the Defence Minister to ensure that this commendable directive does not remain a mere media headline but becomes a binding operational order communicated through the appropriate military channels to every soldier serving on the frontlines.
